The latest robbery is the first time Mikhaylich has struck outside New York City since his eight bank spree began last December - giving him the 'holiday' moniker.

Caught: Mikhaylich is seen here robbing an earlier bank in New York City. The FBI are concerned he is getting more violent

Robbed: The Sovereign bank branch that was robbed on Friday

FBI spokesman Peter Donald said: 'He continues to be a problem'.

As in the previous robberies, Mikhaylich handed a computer-printed note to a bank clerk before demanding the money at gunpoint.

'It was the same M.O,' Mr Donald added.

Mikhaylich is suspected of robbing seven other banks in New York City - four in Queens, two in Brooklyn and one on Staten Island.

According to police he has taken more than $50,000.

The Bureau issued a description of the 200lbs Ukrainian-born thief who is fluent in Russian and often introduces himself to non-Russian speakers as Mark.

Robbery: Holding a pistol, Marat Mikhaylich threatened a teller at the Investors Savings Bank in Astoria, Queens in February

Manhunt: Marat Mikhaylich is described as 6ft 5in tall, weighing 200lbs. He speaks Russian and introduces himself as Mark

The notoriously tall robber has prompted police to issue a warning that banks should literally 'raise' their security defences.

NYPD chief Ray Kelly said: 'I would consider him to be dangerous.'

The Bandit's seven previous hits

Investors Savings Bank in Astoria, Queens, February 16

Capital One Bank, Brooklyn, Sunday, February 13

Capital One Bank, Staten Island, Friday, February 4

Capital One Bank, Queens, Wednesday, January 19

Sovereign Bank, Long Island City, Queens, Wednesday, December

Ridgewood Savings Bank, Brooklyn, Wednesday, December 23

Sovereign Bank, Astoria, Queens, Thursday December 9

Mr Kelly reportedly added: 'Some of the [banks] have bandit barriers, but they are not fully extended to the ceiling and he is tall...and he can sort of tower over it.'

Friday's robbery is the eighth hold up by Mikhaylich.

Last week Mikhaylich held up two tellers at the Capital One Bank in Brooklyn because he wasn't happy with the amount of cash he got from the first teller, officials said.

Wearing a black hat, dark sunglasses, and a dark coat, the 35-year-old walked over to the second bank worker after he received only 'chump change' from the first.

'The Holiday Bandit continues to raise the stakes, becoming more aggressive, and his hold-ups more frequent,' said the FBI's Assistant Special Agent Michael Rourke.

'We need New Yorkers to be on the lookout for this guy, be vigilant, and call us.'

In the Staten Island robbery he gave authorities the slip despite a police helicopter search and many police officers on the ground.

No one has staged more armed robberies in the city than Mikhaylich since 2009, but the FBI fear he may attain cult status like a wannabe John Dillinger.

Barbara Daly of the FBI-NYPD joint bank robbery task force told the Daily News: ''Our fear is empowering him to live up to some public image.'

Cult: Killer and bank robber John Dillinger

Mikhaylich once lived in California and has no prior criminal record, officials said.

But although he leaves his fingerprints at the scene of the robberies - on withdrawl slips and notes - he appears to know how tellers work.

The demand he handed to a cashier at the Sovereign Bank in Long Island City said: 'No dye packs. No alarm. No bait money.'

After the teller handed over money from her top drawer, Mikhaylich pointed with his handgun and demanded that she give him cash from the bottom drawer at her station, according to FBI agent Benjamin Langel.

The FBI is offering a 'significant' reward for tips that lead to Mikhaylich's capture. Anyone with information is asked to call (212) 384-1000.